PLAYER RATINGS | Borussia Dortmund 1-0 SK Sturm Graz | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund were able to build upon their victory against RB Leipzig on Saturday evening as they overcame Austrian champions SK Sturm Graz 1-0 at the Westfalenstadion.

However, from the first whistle, it became apparent that the visitors were not going to offer Nuri Şahin’s side an easy ride on their hunt for a third win in the Champions League.

Despite registering thirteen shots in the first half, as per Fbref, Die Schwarzgelben were unable to find a way past the on-loan Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen, having struggled to generate any clear chances.

After the interval, while the home fans would have hoped to see some improved quality, Dortmund’s performance would ultimately remain largely the same.

While BvB regularly progressed the ball into the attacking third, once they reached the edge of the Sturm Graz penalty box, they appeared slow, sluggish, and sloppy, simultaneously boosting the Austrian sides’ confidence.

As Sturm Graz began to increase their attacking output, they had threatened to be the side to take all three points, until a poor defensive mistake was pounced upon by Die Schwarzgelben, resulting in Serhou Guirassy sliding Donyell Malen in to seal the win for Şahin’s side.

Having returned to winning ways against RB Leipzig on the weekend, Dortmund would have been hoping to continue their momentum against their Austrian opponents.

While they were far from their best—which is still arguably an unknown product—a second successive victory will only play in BvB’s favour as they look to rebuild their campaign after a disappointing start.

Borussia Dortmund XI:

Alexander Meyer (5), Pascal Groß (5), Emre Can (5), Nico Schlotterbeck (5), Ramy Bensebaini (6), Felix Nmecha (5), Marcel Sabitzer (4), Julian Brandt (4), Maximilian Beier (4), Jamie Gittens (4), Serhou Guirassy (5)

Others: Ayman Azhil (-), Donyell Malen (6), Cole Campbell (4)

GGFN Man of the Match: Donyell Malen (6)

On an evening that saw very few fireworks fly at the Westfalenstadion, the tie had threatened to play out without anyone stepping up to the plate.

However, over the past two years, when in need, Dortmund have often been able to call upon Donyell Malen.

Having started the night on the Dortmund bench, it was clear to see that the Black and Yellow’s were missing the Dutchman and his quality and composure in the final third.

In a similar manner to his teammates, Malen’s performance was far from scintillating, but all he needed was one chance to put the game to bed, and it was an opportunity he took effectively, ensuring he provided the spark required to see Dortmund over the line.

GGFN | Will Shopland